Here’s a bold statement: In the Blink of an Eye is a film that tries to wrap the entire human experience into a sleek, 94-minute package—and somehow, it almost works. Directed by Andrew Stanton and starring Rashida Jones, Kate McKinnon, and Daveed Diggs, this triptych film spans 47,000 years of human history, from Neanderthals to a 25th-century scientist on a spaceship. But here’s where it gets controversial: while the movie aims to celebrate life and ease our fears of death, it does so with a message so obvious and saccharine that it feels more like a high-budget pharmaceutical ad than a profound exploration of existence. And this is the part most people miss: despite its flaws, there’s something oddly moving about it—I’ll admit I teared up at the end, though I’m still not sure why.
Originally a Black List screenplay by Colby Day, the film has been sitting on the shelf for years, which might tell you everything you need to know about its reception. Stanton, known for his Pixar work, hasn’t had much luck with live-action—his previous attempt, John Carter, was a disaster that sent him into director exile for over a decade. In the Blink of an Eye isn’t a disaster, but it’s not a triumph either. It’s well-intentioned, sure, but its broad, generic plots feel like a missed opportunity. Instead of diving into specific, detailed stories that could truly resonate, the film settles for reminding us of the most basic truths about life: people die, people are born, and this has been happening for a very long time. But here’s the question: Is that enough to inspire? Or does it just feel like a well-funded science museum exhibit masquerading as art?
The film is divided into three timelines. The first follows a Neanderthal family, blending themes of death and rejuvenation that echo into the modern-day story of Rashida Jones’ character, a Princeton researcher studying Neanderthal bones while caring for her dying mother. The third timeline jumps to the 25th century, where Kate McKinnon plays a scientist on a spaceship carrying human ova to colonize a new planet. McKinnon’s performance is a standout—shedding her usual comedic shtick for a sincere, heartfelt monologue that delivers the film’s emotional punch. But even her efforts can’t fully rescue the film from its bland, uplifting message.
Here’s the controversial take: The film’s attempt to connect all of humanity across time feels more like a superficial gesture than a profound statement. Are we really supposed to believe that figures like Hitler or Pol Pot are part of some timeless collective spirit? It’s a thought that’s both uncomfortable and laughable. Yet, despite its flaws, the film manages to tug at the heartstrings—thanks in part to Thomas Newman’s haunting score. It’s not the profound catharsis it aims for, but it’s not entirely without merit.
So, is In the Blink of an Eye a masterpiece or a missed opportunity? That’s for you to decide. But one thing’s for sure: it’s a film that leaves you thinking, even if it doesn’t always leave you feeling. What do you think? Does its ambitious scope make up for its generic storytelling, or is it just another overly polished attempt at profundity? Let’s discuss in the comments.
